Colorado Conservation Voters Statement on Conclusion of Governors Oil and Gas Taskforce

DENVER - Colorado Conservation Voter (CCV) Executive Director Pete Maysmith released the following statement today on the Governor’s Task Force on Cooperative Strategies Regarding State and Local Regulation of Oil and Gas Development nearing the end of its Executive Order defined process:

“The fundamental goal of Colorado Conservation Voters in participating in the Governor’s Taskforce was to reinforce protections for our air, water, land and public health from the heavy industrial activity of oil and gas development. As drilling expands in Colorado we want to ensure all levels of government have an important role in overseeing drilling and to enhance opportunities for public accountability to increase transparency and information sharing.

“The near final recommendations the Taskforce has acted upon today are good first steps in meeting these goals. Strengthening the local government designee process and setting up a structure for local governments to provide local inspectors will provide more opportunities for public involvement and increased oversight of oil and gas drilling near our neighborhoods and communities.

Although the Taskforce recommendations are important steps forward there is still a lot of work left. We must address issues of air quality, water quality and setbacks from our homes, schools and important natural areas. We firmly believe oil and gas development must not come at the expense of the health and welfare of Colorado communities or our State's natural heritage. We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Hickenlooper and the other members of the Taskforce on these issues in the near future.”